I'm not quite sure which is more frightening in London: walking, driving, or cycling. And though I walk every day, I'm still unsure of which direction the cars are coming. What's worse is that I'm now unsure of which direction cars are coming when I'm at home, but that's besides the point. Here, drivers, walkers, and bikers are crazy and do not stop for anyone, which can be intimidating.

That's why I didn't give riding a bike a second thought when Ross said he wanted to. If I don't die walking, I'm most certain biking will be a one way ticket to heaven. In any case, I finally caved knowing that our time here is limited; I feel that everyone who lives here should at least say they've biked through the beautiful Hyde Park.

So that's what we did on a perfectly brisk but warm fall day: cycled through Hyde Park. And you know what? I lived to tell you, it was such a fun experience {though if we actually biked on the street with the cars, it would've been a different story}.

Renting the "Boris bikes", as they're dubbed here {former mayor, Boris Johnson, who ironically looks like Trump, introduced them to London}, is exactly like renting the Divvy bikes in Chicago. You can rent them for 24 hours but must check in every half hour {which is a pain if you don't know where nearby check-in racks are located}. And for only £2, it's a really cheap mode of transportation {much cheaper than the tube!} if you are willing to risk your life on the busy London roads.

Me? I'm happy to bike through the parks every now + then to enjoy the scenery. Otherwise, I'll stick to walking to ensure I come back home in one piece ;)

It's a little tricky navigating the "Cycle Super Highway", even in the parks. This is because as someone who is used to driving on the right side of the road, biking on the left turns your world upside down {I already have problems determining right from left to begin with...}.

We biked past a riding lesson...

some vibrant fall-colored trees...

...and a concert in the park

And the infamous "Speaker's Corner", where anyone can get on their soapbox and talk about anything to those willing to listen...

And we ended our quick journey from one end of the park to the other end in just a half hour!

​Welcome back, friends! It’s been a while since I’ve last posted but with our trip to Florida {which was so relaxing, thanks for asking} and the start of a new school year {I’m teaching 8th, 10th, and 11th grade, in case you were wondering ;)}, I’ve found little time {and maybe little inspiration} to write.

In any case, being in Florida for a couple of weeks and then returning back to London has allowed me to reflect on life in The States and life in Europe. Being in Florida highlighted some major differences {and similarities} between America and England and also taught me a few {maybe more than a few!} new lessons:

A terrifying realization I concluded is the amount of preservatives and full-on junk that is in our food in America. In doing a comparison between something as simple as bread, the food in England appears to have fewer preservatives, fewer grams of sugar, and fewer ingredients that I don’t know how to pronounce. In say that though, it didn’t stop me from eating the delicious food at home!

And speaking of food, food in the grocery stores and food in restaurants are absurdly expensive in America. Our grocery budget about doubled when shopping at Publix in Florida in comparison to shopping at Whole Foods in London {craziness!}.

People in America, and especially in the southern states are just so darn friendly. I received so many “hellos” and smiles and made more small talk in 15 days than I have in the last 19 months in London {insert eye roll}. In fact, I forgot how unpleasant some Londoners were upon returning that when smiling at the first person walking down the street, I was actually a little offended by her scowl in response to my goofy grin. Don’t worry though, since being back “home” in London, I’ve gotten used to the grumpiness of passer-bys.

I really appreciate that in London, in terms of pricing, what you see is what you get. The price tag includes tax and therefore, there are no surprises when you check out.

I also like in London how they have contactless technology, so there is no signing or swiping when paying. This took some getting used to, but despite the lack of efficiency in most other areas of London-living, the contactless is highly efficient. I use my contactless debit card when hopping on the tube, checking out at the grocery store, paying a dinner bill… One tap and you’re done! Easy peasy.

Target is Disneyworld and I miss it so.so.SO.much. Need Band-Aids? Go to Target. Need to buy some yogurt? Go to Target. Need to buy a costume for your themed day at school tomorrow? Yep, Target. What if you need adorable, individually canned champagne? TARGET!

Because of the many one-stop-shops in America, along with the constant driving, my overall activity and steps decreased in Florida. While it was nice to quickly run errands at home, I did feel rather lazy.

90 degrees in Florida in the dead of August is very different than 90 degrees in London. And guess what? 90 degrees in Florida is much more pleasant, because of this great invention called the air conditioner.

I’ll make this one short and sweet because I can get on my soap box about this: education is entirely different in England than the schools I’ve taught at in America {though they face similar struggles and issues}. In my experience, American schools are ahead of the game.

I’ve said this time and time again, there is a lack of follow-through and meeting deadlines in England. Case in point: our visas. We had some visa issues this summer and we were applying to obtain new visas. Mine was supposed to arrive A MONTH AND A HALF AGO. It should have only taken 7-10 days, and as of this post, I still don’t have it in my hands.

Whenever I’m home or whenever I meet someone new in London, someone is bound to ask me how I enjoy London. And people, no matter who asks me {Europeans, Americans, etc.}, are always offended when I say I am not fond of living here, as if I’ve criticized a dear friend of theirs. And all I really have to say is this: being a tourist and being a resident is vastly different—night + day, sun + moon, salt + pepper {you get the idea!}. As a tourist, I loved London. As a resident, I despise it {minus some aspects, like traveling and spending time with Ross}. Further, my living experience here is exponentially different than the next expat who moves over here; we all don’t have similar realities. However, I do feel that I am entitled to this opinion after living here for almost 2 years. So, to the next person who asks, I’m not sorry for not loving London. On the other hand, ask me about traveling to Italy or Greece or Spain. My answer is going to be much more positive!

Whether we are living at home or abroad, life goes on without us {as tough as that is to learn}. In any case, as we move into another year here {I count my year by the school calendar ;)}, I’m hoping that we’ll travel just a bit more before we quickly make our way back to the land of the free and the home of the brave {insert a big heart emoji}.